Lash Tapes & Eye Pads

Every lash artist juggles a complex challenge with every client: the Taping Trilemma. How do you guarantee flawless safety, provide ultimate client comfort, and maintain top-tier efficiency in your application? The answer, more often than not, lies in mastering one of the most underestimated tools in your kit: your lash tape.

This guide is more than just a list of products. This is your professional playbook for mastering the Taping Trilemma. We'll break down the different types of lash extension tapes, show you exactly when and how to use them, and reveal advanced techniques that will elevate your craft. As a leading supplier in Australia, LASHESBYRK is here to provide the expert education you need to excel.

Why quality lash tape is a non-negotiable tool

Thinking of professional tape as just an accessory is a critical mistake. This essential tool performs three core functions that are fundamental to a successful and safe lash application. Understanding these roles is the first step toward becoming a true taping expert.

What is lash tape used for?

• Isolation: The primary job of any lash tape or eye pad is to create a clean, safe work surface. By gently securing all of the bottom lashes, you ensure they don't get tangled or accidentally glued to the upper extensions, a frustrating scenario for both you and your client.
• Protection: A lash artist's workspace involves strong adhesives and sharp, precise tweezers. High-quality tape forms a protective barrier over the client's delicate periorbital skin, shielding it from accidental contact with tweezers and minimising exposure to adhesive fumes that can cause chemical burns.
• Manipulation: Lash tape is also a tool for creating the perfect canvas. With strategic placement, you can gently manipulate and support the client's eyelids, ensuring every single natural lash, even those tricky ones in the inner and outer corners, is visible and accessible for flawless application.

More than just sticky tape: The 3 core functions

The risks of using the wrong tape

Using cheap, non-specialised tape from a craft or hardware store is one of the biggest risks you can take in your professional practice. These products are not designed for prolonged contact with the delicate eye area and can lead to a host of problems, including painful skin irritation, allergic reactions from harsh adhesives, and even corneal abrasions if the tape is placed incorrectly. According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), contact allergies are a widespread issue, making the use of tested, hypoallergenic materials essential for client safety [2].

A breakdown of lash tapes: Your professional toolkit

Your professional kit needs a range of tapes because no single client is the same. Understanding the unique properties of each type allows you to create a custom solution for every person who lies on your lash bed.

Micropore paper tape (the industry workhorse)

This is the versatile, breathable tape you'll find in almost every lash artist's toolkit. Made from a gentle paper material, it has a mild adhesive that sticks well to the skin without being overly aggressive. Its versatility is its greatest strength.

Key properties: Breathable, gentle adhesive, easy to tear by hand.

Ideal for: General bottom lash isolation, securing the corners of eye pads, taping back layers of lashes during volume application, and for clients with normal to oily skin.

Cushioned foam tape (the comfort solution)

For clients who find standard tapes or pads uncomfortable, foam tape is a game-changer. This thick, flexible, and water-resistant tape provides incredible cushioning and a strong, secure hold, making it perfect for challenging applications.

Key properties: Thick, flexible, water-resistant, strong yet gentle adhesion.

Ideal for: Clients with watery eyes, clients with sensitivities to gel pad ingredients, providing extra padding, or for use as a complete replacement for under-eye pads.

Gentle silicone & sensitive tapes (the hypoallergenic hero)

When a client has extremely sensitive or reactive skin, this is the only option. Silicone tapes use an incredibly gentle adhesive that allows for placement, removal, and repositioning with zero pain or irritation.

Key properties: Extremely gentle silicone adhesive, repositionable, latex-free.

Export to Sheets

Ideal for: Highly allergic clients, elderly clients with thin or "crepey" skin, and for taping down very fine baby lashes without causing damage.

Transpore plastic tape (the high-adhesion option)

When you need maximum hold, Transpore tape delivers. This clear plastic tape has a much stronger, medical-grade adhesive designed for situations where other tapes might fail. However, its strength means it must be used with caution.

Key properties: Clear, perforated for tearing, strong medical-grade adhesive.

Ideal for: Taping up heavy or hooded eyelids to the brow area, securing very stubborn or downward-pointing lashes. 

RK's Pro Tip: Always de-tack this tape on the back of your sanitised glove 2-3 times to reduce its aggressive stickiness before it touches a client's skin.

Lash tape vs. eye pads: A head-to-head comparison

The debate between tape and gel pads is common, but the truth is that both have their place in a professional's kit. The choice depends entirely on the client's anatomy, skin type, and sensitivities.

When to choose eye pads

Under-eye gel pads often provide a more luxurious and spa-like experience for the client. Many are infused with soothing ingredients like aloe or collagen, which can help hydrate the skin during the service. They are an excellent choice for clients with normal skin who enjoy the comfortable, cooling sensation.

When to choose lash tape

Lash tape is the superior choice for function and problem-solving. It offers a more customisable fit for unique eye shapes, is far more effective for clients with watery eyes or oily skin, and provides truly hypoallergenic options for those who react to the ingredients in gel pads. From a business perspective, tape is also significantly more cost-effective.

The pro hybrid method: Using tape to secure eye pads

You don't have to choose just one. One of the most effective techniques for restless or watery-eyed clients is the hybrid method. First, apply the under-eye gel pads as you normally would. Then, place a piece of micropore tape over the edges of the pad, anchoring it securely to the client's skin. This simple step completely prevents the pads from shifting, slipping, or swelling up into the client's waterline.

Comparison of Lash tape vs. eye pads

Mastering the fundamentals: The 4-step taping method

A perfect application starts with a flawless foundation. Follow these steps for a safe and secure taping method that works for most clients.

• Step 1: Prep and cleanse. Ensure the client's eye area is completely clean, dry, and free of any oils or makeup. This will ensure the tape adheres properly.
• Step 2: Place the primary anchor piece. Ask your client to look up. Gently depress the skin under the eye and apply your chosen tape from the inner corner outwards, securing all the bottom lashes. The tape should be close to the lash line but never touching the wet waterline of the eye.
• Step 3: Secure the inner and outer corners. Often, a single piece of tape isn't enough. Use smaller pieces of tape to catch any stray lashes in the very inner and outer corners, ensuring 100% isolation.
• Step 4: Check for comfort and safety. Once the client closes their eyes, ask them if anything is poking or irritating them. Look closely to ensure the tape or pads are not touching the cornea or waterline. Proper placement is non-negotiable for client safety.

Advanced taping techniques to elevate your craft

"Mastering these advanced techniques is what separates a good lash artist from a great one. It's about creating solutions, not just applying lashes." - RK, Founder of LASHESBYRK

Once you've mastered the basics, you can use tape to solve complex application challenges and create even better results for your clients.

Technique 1: Taping for layering (the "tape back" method)

For dense volume and mega volume sets, working in layers is essential. After securing the bottom lashes, use a small piece of micropore tape to lift a section of the top lashes upwards and back onto the eyelid. This exposes the bottom-most layer of natural lashes, allowing you to apply extensions with perfect isolation. You can then release the taped section and repeat the process for the next layer.

Technique 2: Lifting hooded or droopy eyelids

For clients with hooded eyes or mature skin, the natural lash line can be difficult to see. To solve this, take a longer strip of tape and apply one end to the centre of the eyelid. Gently pull the eyelid upwards and anchor the other end of the tape to the skin just below the eyebrow. This small lift will beautifully expose the natural lashes, making your job infinitely easier.

Technique 3: The cross-hatch for watery eyes

Excessive watering can cause tape to lose its grip. To combat this, place your main tape pieces as normal. Then, take two small pieces of foam tape and create a small "X" or cross-hatch pattern at the outer corner of the eye. This creates a small, absorbent dam that helps to manage moisture, keeping your work area dry.

Technique 4: Securing tricky inner & outer corners

Sometimes, the angle of the inner or outer corner makes it impossible to isolate those last few lashes. Use a small piece of tape placed vertically near the corner and gently pull the skin away from the direction you're working. An outward pull will reveal hidden inner corner lashes, and an inward pull will expose the outer corner.

Solving client problems: Your taping strategy guide

The true mark of an expert is the ability to adapt. Here is how to use your taping toolkit to solve the most common client challenges.

• The solution for highly sensitive skin & allergies. For any client who mentions sensitivity, skip the gel pads and go straight for a gentle silicone tape. A patch test is always recommended. This proactive step shows your commitment to their well-being and builds immense trust.
• The solution for watery eyes or oily skin. This is where cushioned foam tape shines. Its water resistance and strong adhesive will hold firm, where paper tapes and gel pads will slip and fail. The hybrid method of securing pads with micropore tape is also an excellent strategy.
• The solution for stubborn, downward-pointing lashes. When lashes refuse to be tamed, a tape with a stronger grip is needed. A carefully detacked piece of Transpore tape or a fresh, dry piece of micropore tape can provide the firm hold needed to keep these lashes isolated.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• 1. What's the best all-around lash tape for a beginner in Australia? Micropore paper tape is the best starting point. Its affordability, versatility, and gentle nature make it perfect for learning the fundamentals of lash isolation on a wide variety of clients.
• 2. How do I remove lash tape without pulling out natural lashes? Removal should always be slow and gentle. Hold the skin taut with one finger and peel the tape back slowly, pulling it back over itself rather than upwards away from the skin. Never rip the tape off quickly.
• 3. Can I be allergic to lash tape? While rare with high-quality, medical-grade tapes, allergies can occur. This is why having a truly hypoallergenic option like silicone tape is essential. If a client reacts, it is most often to the adhesive, colouring, or the material of the tape itself.
• 4. Is it safe to use cheap hardware store tape for lashing? Absolutely not. These products contain industrial-grade adhesives and materials not tested for skin safety. Using them poses a serious risk to your client and your professional reputation. Always use professional-grade tape from a trusted beauty supplier. The quality of such tape is often assured by being listed on the TGA's Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) [3].
• 5. How often should I replace my roll of tape? For hygiene reasons, a roll of tape should remain in a clean, covered dispenser. While a roll can last a long time, it's good practice to start with a fresh roll every few months to ensure the adhesive is effective and the surface remains sanitary.

Conclusion: Become the taping expert your clients trust

The Taping Trilemma of safety, comfort, and efficiency is a challenge you can consistently win. By moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and building a strategic toolkit of different tapes and techniques, you elevate your service from a simple application to a customised, professional experience.

Investing in high-quality lash extension tapes is a direct investment in your client's safety, your salon's reputation, and your long-term business growth. When you master this essential tool, you build the trust and loyalty that turns new clients into lifelong fans.

Ready to upgrade your toolkit? Explore the LASHESBYRK collection of professional-grade lash tapes, curated for Australian artists.

With our current discounts on these tapes, available in various colours and bundles, you can enjoy both quality and value. And don't stop at just the lash tape – explore our comprehensive collections of pro-made lashes, coloured lash extensions, and classic lash extensions. In addition, we also offer Wispy Volume Lashes for those seeking a more customised look. Or, if you're a beginner, check out our complete eyelash extension kits that include everything you need to get started.

Shop Lash Tapes Now

References

[1] IBISWorld. (2024). Hairdressing and Beauty Services in Australia - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029). Summary information is often accessible via business news outlets that cite IBISWorld data.

[2] Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). (n.d.). Contact Allergic Dermatitis. Retrieved from https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/contact-allergic-dermatitis

[3] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Therapeutic Goods Administration. (n.d.). Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Public search available athttps://www.tga.gov.au/australian-register-therapeutic-goods

[4] Roy Morgan. (2019). Australian women want to look good and feel fit and healthy. Retrieved from https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7994-australian-women-on-health-beauty-and-fitness-201905280628

Explore more professional lash essentials to perfect your artistry:

• Lash Cleanser Concentrate – A deep-cleansing formula designed to remove oils and impurities, ensuring optimal lash retention.

• Lash Cleanser for Eyelash Extensions – Keep lashes fresh and flawless with a gentle, extension-safe cleanser that maintains cleanliness without compromising bond strength.
• Lash Remover for Lash Extensions – Effortlessly dissolve adhesive while keeping natural lashes healthy and intact.

✨ Complete your lash toolkit with premium Lash Extension Supplies from Lashesbyrk - where innovation meets artistry.